There are several types of
workshop situations in which one may encounter the working process of
Theater Du Jour. These workshops are offered periodically, but may
also be requested for groups of six or more. They can be tailored to
be to meet specific time restrictions, ranging from working
demonstrations to multi-week sessions.

Introduction to
physical training

Participants learn the
principles of alternation and focus through some of the physical
exercises developed and used by directors such as Jerzy Growtowski,
Eugenio Barba and Ingemar Lindh and their individual companies. These
exercises are an introduction to the primary elements of group
improvisation and lay the ground work for creation of the actor’s
“material.” The work involves rigorous physical activity, and is
not recommended for those with back problems or fragile bodies.

Material and
Improvisation

This workshop focuses on
the creation of repeatable “scores” of action used in group
improvisations that constitutes their material. The actor’s
material functions as the building blocks of company-created
performances and is developed over time with the principles inherent
in the physical training. Depending on the length of the workshop,
this work may include our approach to vocal work as well. It does not
include any of the physical training exercises, so it is possible for
actors with limited physical abilities to participate.

Working with a
Repeatable Score

With prescribed short
scores of action participants learn to find the abundance of
variation within a limited amount of material. Utilizing basic
treatments such as speed, size, tension and direction the actor takes
control of the material and discovers how it can be used to influence
group improvisation as well as be influenced by other’s proposals.
This workshop is an excellent introduction to the principles used by
Theatre Du Jour and is useful for actors of any skill level or genre.
It is appropriate for all ages and physical types.

Ongoing
participation

The members of Theater Du
Jour maintain a regular working schedule that includes regular
training touched on in the workshops. After completing the most basic
workshops, individuals may request to be allowed to participate in
the group's work. These sessions are often used to expand the number
of exercises and treatments being used by the actor and provide the
base from which productions are created. Ongoing participation is by
invitation only and is voted on by the members of the company.